Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-06-18

Frame" said Mrs. Meglip, bustling into the
studio. But without waiting for answers 10
her questions, she went on, I've just had a
letter from Aunt Jane, and she wants Us to
spend from Saturday to Monday with her.
Do let me accept, dear. You look quite pale
from overwork, and 1 so long for a sight of
the country. Do let's get away from these
bothering money-lenders and people and
have holiday. Pm sure we both want it.
Levi has offered me $500 for Chloe"
began Megilp, gravely.
"Why, that's worse than Mr.. Zerubbabe
but about Aunt James invitation, Angy.
May accept?'
Megilp never could refuse his wife any
thing. She had evidently set her heart upon
the visit, so, though he didn't like leaving
town at such a critical moment, he let her
have her own way; and the note accepting
Aunt James invitation was written and
posted forthwith.
Having called at the picture-framer's and
ordered new frame for "Chloe" and left
the key of the studio with Mary Anne, the
housemaid, with directions to hand over the
picture to Mr.. Ormolus representative, Me
Clip and his wife left town the following af
ternoon and spent delightfully."- quiet Sun
day with Aunt Jane at her cottage in Sussex.
Late on Monday evening the Megilps re-
turned home.
ANY one called while we were away
Any letters, Mary Amer" Mrs. Megilp
asked, as the neat handmaiden met her at
the door.
ooh, yes, mum, if you please" replied
Mary Anne, volubly. "On Saturday, soon
after you and master left, Mr.. Ormolu's
young man came for the picture-the pretty
one with the chickens; and this morning
came gentleman, the same as called
the other evening when master was out.
And he asst me if he could see masters pic
lures, and l said, yes l thought he could,
and showed him into the drawing-room. l
hope did right, sir2' she added, turning to
Megilp
Quite right. Which pictures did you
show him, Mary Amer"
81 asst him to wait minute" resumed the
girl smoothing her apron complacently
land l made the studiolook quite nice before
showed him in. lifted the big picture
the one of the young lady with two long
plaits of air down her back"
Margaret Mending Her Stockings" said
Megilp, under his breath.
And put it on the easel, and it looked
beautiful" went on the maid glibly. "The
gentleman seemed very much took with it ;
and then he looked at the little picture"
'Sour Grapes" interpolated Michael An
gelo, smiling.
"And then he asked me for pen and ink
and then he set down and wrote you this
letter, sir" Here she produced from her
pocket two letters. "This other came by
post this morning. she added, giving both
to him.
Hastily stuffing the post-letter into his
pocket, Megilp tore open Mr.. Zerubbabers
communication. When he had read it, he
burst into hearty laugh, drew his wife into
the drawing-room, and shut the door on the
astonished Mary Anne.
"Madge Madgel it's the best joke-you
must raise that girls wages five pounds a
year, and give her a gown or something.
Pom my word, you must. She's done us
splendid turn. Read that!"
He handed the open letter to Mrs. Megilp.
1t ran as follows:
DEAR SIR have seen your picture, MAR
garet Mending Her Stockings" It's taken my
fancy. I'll buy it of you on the following
terms: I'll remit the bill of sale and give you
ESQ. If you accept, bill of sale RENTED by re-
turn post. Wire reply. Yours respectfully,
MICAH ZERUBBABEL.
/ Perhaps you'd throw in the little picture,
"Sour Grapes" ESQ is lot of money.-M.z.
"Tm afraid he has made mistake. He
meant to buy Chloe" said Mrs. Megilp,
uneasily.
Nonsense, my dearr' retorted her
husband" Here he makes me an
offer in black -and-white for Margaret
Mending Her Stockings He ought to know
what he wants. l shall wire acceptance at
once, and We'll burn the bill of sale to-mor-
row morning"
By the next mornings post came the bill
of sale and Mr.. Zerubbabers check for ESQ.
Mrs. Megilp consigned the former in solemn
silence to the flames, and her husband put
the latter into his pocket. As he did so, he
pulled out the letter Mary Anne had given
him the evening before, and which in the ex-
element of the moment he had completely
forgotten.
1t was from Mr.. Abiram Lew, offering
him e400 for "Chloe Counting Her Chick
ens.''
at never rains but it pours," cried the
delighted artist, tossing the picture dealers
note across to his wife.
-
The next merry meeting, after the open
ing of the Academy, between Zerubbabel
and Levi was enlivened by angry recrimina-
tons. Mr.. Zerubbabel accused Mr.. Levi of
wilfully misleading him, and the latter re-
piled, chuckling: $50 was right, was L?
1t was you who tried, and, in fact, partially
succeeded, in spelling my market with Me-
Clip. would advise you, the next time you
make use of friends brains, to be sure that
you know what you're about. London
Truth.
THE wOMAN'S IDEAL.